Community Corner
🌱 Patch AM: Why did aircraft and a robot dog swarm a Topeka hotel?
Also check out Band/Strings Concert on the Topeka Patch calendar
Hello Topeka! Stay connected with the latest updates from around town. Let's dive in! ☕️️
In today's newsletter:
- Why did aircraft and a robot dog swarm a Topeka hotel?
- How did Washburn survive a wild double-overtime battle?
- How big winners can claim Kansas Lottery prizes in Topeka
And lastly, we have a post from a neighbor, JAMES S.!
Find out what's happening in Topekafor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Today's riddle: Jimmy, did you crash on your bike again? You’ve lost a tooth! 🤔 (Answer below!)
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Find out what's happening in Topekafor free with the latest updates from Patch.
- Sunday: Sunny and cold, with a high of 26 and low of 20 degrees.
- Monday: Sunny and not as cold, temps: high: 49, low: 28.
- Tuesday: Plenty of sunshine, with a high of 55 and low of 30 degrees.
📰 News we're reading
1. Why were so many deputies, troopers at a west Topeka hotel Friday? (kmaj1440.com) — A heavy law enforcement presence at a west Topeka hotel Friday stemmed from officers tracking a stolen black Chevrolet Tahoe to the property using aircraft, a robot dog and the Real Time Crime Center. Deputies and troopers ultimately arrested a 37-year-old Topeka man on a federal warrant, drawing significant attention from residents in the area. 
2. Washburn men's basketball wins double overtime thriller (ksnt.com) — Washburn men’s basketball kept its perfect season alive in Topeka with a gritty 78-72 double-overtime win over Central Missouri on Saturday. The Ichabods, now 11-0, leaned on big performances from Dillon Claussen and Brady Christiansen and will head to the San Antonio Holiday Classic next.
3. Kansas Lottery Powerball, Pick 3 winning numbers for Dec. 13, 2025 (cjonline.com) — Kansas Lottery players can check the Dec. 13 Powerball, Pick 3, and other game results, then claim prizes up to $599 at any retailer or larger prizes through the mail or in person. Big winners will need to visit the Kansas Lottery headquarters on North Kansas Avenue in downtown Topeka, which can cash prizes of any amount on weekdays.
4. White Castle sliders recalled after consumer suffers allergic reaction (ksnt.com) — A White Castle frozen slider recall announced via Topeka station KSNT could affect local shoppers who bought 4-count “Original Sliders” boxes that actually contain undeclared Jalapeño Cheese Sliders with milk and soy. The FDA says over 1,000 cases shipped nationwide, and anyone with allergies should check for lot codes 9H203521 and 9H203522 and return affected boxes for a refund.
5. Prairie Band Potawatomi intends to ditch $30M ICE contract, chairman announces (newsfromthestates.com) — From Topeka, Prairie Band Potawatomi leaders say they plan to cancel a nearly $30 million federal contract to design ICE detention centers after local station KSNT exposed the deal. The tribal chairman compared immigrant detention to historic reservation trauma and warned the move could cost future contracts, but said moral obligations must come before economic gains.
📸 Around Topeka
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🗓 Upcoming Events in Topeka
Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!
- Band/Strings Concert
Mceachron Elem Topeka, KS 66614
6:00 pm - School Play
Marjorie French Middle School Topeka, KS 66614
7:00 pm
Tuesday December 16
Wednesday December 17
🗓 Events Nearby
- Holiday Fling
Stormont Vail Events Center , 1 Expocentre Dr , Topeka
10:00 am - Ballet Midwest Presents The Nutcracker (49th Annual)
Topeka Performing Arts Center , 214 SE 8th Ave , Topeka
1:30 pm - MS Band/Vocal Concert 7pm (Grades 6-8)
Jefferson West USD 340 , 210 N Miller St , Meriden - MS Art Show 6pm
Jefferson West USD 340 , 210 N Miller St , Meriden - JH Girls Wrestling @ Anderson County
Carbondale Attendance Center Carbondale, KS 66414
4:00 pm - HS Band Concert
Santa Fe Trail High School , 15701 S California Rd , Carbondale
7:00 pm - HSBKB G/B FR/JV/V @ Royal Valley 4:30pm
Jefferson West USD 340 , 101 E 1st St , Hoyt - HS BB at SFT vs Prairie View
Santa Fe Trail High School , 15701 S California Rd , Carbondale
4:30 pm - Winter Orchestra Concert @ SMS
Northern Hills Elementary Topeka, KS 66617
7:00 pm - HS Band/Vocal Concert 7pm
Jefferson West High School , 619 Condray St , Meriden
Sunday December 14
Monday December 15
Tuesday December 16
Wednesday December 17
Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.
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💬 Chatter
What your neighbors are talking about on social media
- Tonight I am frying a chicken, and I came across what is claimed to be a copy of the Colonels secret 11 herbs and spices recipe.
Well see how it comes out. 1 tsp ground oregano 1 tsp chili powder 1 tsp ground sage 1 tsp dried basil 1 tsp dried marjoram 1 tsp paprika 1 tsp… (Nextdoor Elmhurst) - Kids invited to make their own stuffed friend at Topeka & Shawnee Co.
Public Library https://www.wibw.com/2025/12/12/kids-invited-make-their-own-stuffed-friend-topeka-shawnee-co-public-library/ (Nextdoor Burlingame Acres)
- Dillons Food Stores posted a job opening for Grocery Clerk in Topeka. Apply here.
- CBRE Group, Inc. posted a job opening for Lease Admin Supervisor (Eastern Region) in Topeka. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Topeka here.
Ok Topeka! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!
-- The Patch AM Team
P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I didn’t lose a tooth, Mom. It’s right here in my pocket.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!
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